We had mentioned in passing that Gouffran might play up front, but this has to be a shock and it doesn’t look good for the current form of Mitro or Murphy – although maybe Gouffran has looked very good in training.

Let’s hope the defense can get their act together and put in one of those strong performances we know they can produce.

That looks like tow changes from Saturday with Gouffran and Diame coming in as the lone striker and the number 10 respectively.

This is what Rafa has said about the game between the Championship’s best two teams tonight:

“Our away record means that we can go and play against anyone trying to win. In football, you never know, but we will try to win.”

“It is important to have the belief that we can do it – because we have done it during the whole season.”

“We know that we made some mistakes against Bristol City, but because the reaction was so good, you have to think about the positives.”

“We have to try and play in the same way that we did in the second half – with the same determination, with the same attacking football, trying to create chances.”

“The players know that every game is important, and we still have a lot of games to play. They have all the information, but they all react in one way or another way.”

“My job is to keep sending the right message. We have to keep doing things in the same way – training well, sticking together, helping each other.”

“You could see the reaction of our fans on Saturday, and it is the same situation now – going away with our fans behind the team.”

“We are really pleased with that, and the best way to say ‘thank you’ is to give everything on the pitch and try to win.”

Slightly more fans think we will lose tonight than win – it could be very close.

Second thinking RAFA the Gaffa is tough! 10/11 again-bugger! Went for Murphy, not Colback, otherwise got Diame, Atsu, Gouff. Same Saturday. 10/11 got Atsu but went Gouff for Ritchie. Mind that’s why I’m sitting on the couch watching the match with a few beers and RAF’s at Brighton, in the deep end!

Five or six points from the next three games will do me. Anything more is a bonus and anything less isn’t a disaster. Still a long way to go before anything is decided. If we win tonight I can see Brighton crumbling again, with de ja vue kicking in. Nothing will be decided until May imo, we just need to keep winning. Cutting out silly mistakes won’t do any harm either.

Yes Gouffran! He’s a striker didn’t you know?! Proved he can score when up front. Good in the air, both feet, and a good hit on him. Got p***ewed played as a DM when should have been up front while in his prime. Brighton are a cracking team but so are we away from home.

I assume that’s why he’s gone for The Gouff and not Mitro. They’d out jump him all night so we play on the floor. Pity we let Arma go out again, with Gayle out he’d be the ideal replacement. Still, got to make do with what we’ve got and I can see the sense in playing The Gouff up front ahead of bigger players.

Interesting team. I think Rafa has gone for attack, but in counter attack. As usual doesn’t want to lose, but it looking to defend well from Gouffy backwards, and hit on break with Atsu. Certainly doesn’t seem a defensive team. Could easily have put gouffy on wing and Murphy up front. Does beg the question why we bought Murphy though and loaned out Arma. Come on lads, a win will really hurt!

Moonraker, I’m with you on this one. Then again, I always put us to win because I believe we can. Beat these and put the jitters up Huddersfield and Reading. Anyway, no more posting for me. 100% football. Howay the lads!!!!!! Take our rightful place back at the top.

health update

The stage four cancer remains stabilized and while the PSA count has risen a little, there's no evidence the cancer has spread.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in early 2017 after being in remission for six years.

There is no cure - but there are treatments to prevent the cancer from spreading further.

I am so thankful for the latest results and in awe of the doctors and nurses at the Rex Cancer Center in Raleigh, North Carolina

Now when is Rafa going to sign his new deal and start making Newcastle great again?

Ed Harrison

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